SE Polyoma-Virus Tumor and the Teeth

¹ College of Dentistry, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Mice inoculated, within 12 hours of birth, with a cell-free filtrate of an embryo extract of the polyoma virus showed positive alterations in the teeth and adjacent oral structures. In all instances multiple tumors were produced. One of the choice sites for these tumors to appear was the salivary glands. Of particular interest was the fact that these tumors and their cells became associated with the teeth. Invasion of the pulp chambers took place either directly through the base or by way of pulpal blood vessels. The pulp chamber's architecture was obliterated with tumor cells and the dentin was invaded from this vantage point. Enamel formation was also interfered with. Aggressive blood vessels caused destruction of pulpal elements as well as the periodontium. The formation of cementum appeared to be accentuated and alveolar bone usually underwent hyperplasia.